Public Relations: Forestry Commission

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Forestry Commission has spent on  (a) external public affairs and  (b) public relations in each of the last five years.

Huw Irranca-Davies: The Forestry Commission in England engages in a wide range of external communications activities including the promotion of forestry policy and the benefits of sustainable woodland management. It also promotes the public forest estate both as a sustainably managed asset and a major resource for public access and recreation. Promotion and communication of these activities is delivered though a wide range of channels including the media, publications, events, marketing of visitor attractions and on the internet. Indicative costs for this work over the last five years are:
	
		
			   £000 
			 2004-05 640 
			 2005-06 847 
			 2006-07 958 
			 2007-08 980